Port move too late for Asian exporters

CNN. ASIA ^ | 10.09.02

[Enemy Of The State]

This will certainly prove that when the US economy takes a hit, the world will suffer.

When it comes to Unions, just say No!

[riri]

Or we could actually make some stuff here and not be so dependent on imports.

[Enemy Of The State]

ON a positive note, at least this will remind China how dependent they are on the US economy.

Hey china, care for a slice of humble pie?

[hsmomx3]

Exactly!! Just think of the jobs that will be created if we could make more goods in the USA? I am sick and tired of seeing the Made in China labels.

[Enemy Of The State]

sure we could but the consumers dont want to pay the Union labor costs and who can blame them....

[riri]

Not an economist, nor do I have any real working knowledge but it seems we are paying at least some union costs if we are paying these Longshoreman $100,000 plus salaries with $45,000 benefit packages just to unpack the stuff and log it in...

[Camel Joe]

Invest in Mexican Ports, I bet they would be happy to employ at least ten "dockworkers" for every one of ours!!!

[Mo1]

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[nanny]

"sure we could but the consumers dont want to pay the Union labor costs and who can blame them...."

No, everyone wants something for nothing, or nearly nothing.

I would rather pay more for a product and know my neighbor or fellow citizen was receiving a living wage and paying taxes than pay unemployment.

I am not now, nor have I ever been a member of a union or a union supporter - but I remember when the the politicians were pushing NAFTA and everyone thought it was wonderful because it would bust the unions. I am not sure they got busted, but a lot of Americans suffered and still are suffering. Of course, along with our OK of NAFTA came the promise that illegal immigration would be stopped--------

[Camel Joe]

I'm happy to hear that, so go ahead and pay more... I for one don't wish to do so. I want the best product for the best price, no matter who makes it. I am a student of economics and the union arm twisting and "monopoly" on shipping is inefficient and overly expensive! More importantly this slowdown that precipitated the lockout was intended to harm the economy, just in time for the election!!!

[abigkahuna]

Really, you would be willing to pay higher prices for goods? I really doubt it. I sell at county fairs, what would you be willing to pay for a necklace? #3, $4, $5? If made here in the states how about $10-$15?

I sell "Blinkys" little lite up jewelry pieces. It can't be made in America, and if it were it would run several dollars wholesale.

Much of my merchandise comes from Korea, India, Thailand and China. There is no alternative here in the states. Luckily for me my fair season is just about over, but because of the strike there are items I will not be able to sell and thus depriving me of profit and a living.

The strike and now weeks long backlog absolutely stinks to hgh heaven. It has hurt us financially.

[Who dat?]

Steven Lee, chairman of the Singapore Aircargo Agents Association, said airlines were charging $400,000-450,000 per charter flight compared to a week ago, when rates were at $300,000 to $350,000.

Because a week ago they could do more to balance out their shipments and now they cannot.

One international delivery company added four ADDITIONAL flights per DAY from China to the U.S. alone. That is a big increase in their international operation considering that they usually average about one flight per day to/from China.

The main problem is that there is not 4 additional flights worth of stuff to fly to China so they end up routing mostly empty planes to/through China just to get shipments to the U.S.. They’re not going to fly around empty for free so you get to pay both ways instead of one party paying for one direction and another paying for the other…

[Diddle E. Squat]

Sorry, but some of this article is bunk. If they already know that there will be 2+ month delays, why aren't they now redirecting future cargo to East Coast ports? It doesn't take 2 months longer to go the other direction. Plus you have Mexican ports, and a rail landbridge across Panama where they could transload, or run a shuttle transload ship through the canal. There are lots of options(albeit with some added expense).

I'm not defending the longshoreman scum, but the strike threat has been known far in advance, so much of this article is crocodile tears.

[Rocksalt]

"I sell "Blinkys" little lite up jewelry pieces. It can't be made in America, and if it were it would run several dollars wholesale."

This is a prime example of the foreign junk that we don't even need.This strike is going to cause alot of problems with our economy,sure merchants make a killing off cheaply made goods,but maybe we ought to adjust to buying products made in the USA.We can make anything we truely need to survive right here in this country.I try to buy US made goods,even if they cost more,and I'm OK with that.Just bought a pair of work gloves made here the other day,a few bucks more,but they last longer.

[abigkahuna]

What do you mean junk no one needs. No oone needs anything except food and shelter after that its superflorous. I have vroiught smiles to tens of thousands of children and adults with my Blinkys.

You sir need to purchase a clue, as the last time you were at a county fair, you kept your hands in your pocket.

[abigkahuna]

vroight- brought duh

[Rocksalt]

By junk no one needs,I mean plastic Asian goods that permeate our markets.If you walk into any Walmart what you see is millions of cheaply produced plastic items,that we wouldn't even buy if it were not for their aggressive advertising campaigns reminding us to shop there.I'll be the first to admit I own some of this stuff myself,for example my plastic gun cases,which I bought at Walmart.I know all this stuff feeds our markets,and US citizens profit from the sales,but obviously alot of jobs have moved out of the country as a result of our acceptance of foriegn goods.I know the economics of this situation are complicated,but I wish we were not so used to buying all the foriegn goods.

[Classicaliberalconservative]

And think of all the resources wasted on subsidizing unnprofitable industries which would be better devoted to research and development, high skilled services and high tech industry.

[tubebender]

Sorry, but some of these article is bunk. If they already know that there will be 2+ month delays, why aren't they now redirecting future cargo to East Coast ports?

I understand that these container ships are to big for the Panama Canal and beside that the east coast unions would walk out in support of their pals on the west coast. When the NE workers strike the Gulf coast always walk out.

Did you know that the Chinese have control of the canal and have brought in nearly 200,000 chinese "workers"?

[sarasmom]

And when I think of all the additional and peronal time I had to invest in keeping myself current in my job,earning approximately 75% less than the "longshoreman" who work so very "much harder"...

Give me a break.

There was once a time when unions were the lone voice for workers rights.

They have outlived their goals, and have now become a blight on our society.